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Avoided Foods in a Soft Diet

by Owen Pearson

About Owen Pearson

Owen Pearson is a freelance writer who began writing professionally in 2001, focusing on nutritional and health topics. After selling abstract art online for five years, Pearson published a nonfiction book detailing the process of building a successful online art business. Pearson obtained a bachelor's degree in art from the University of Rio Grande in 1997.

Overview

A soft food diet is recommended for people who have difficulty swallowing or chewing, such as those who have recently had surgery or are experiencing an extended illness. Chemotherapy patients, who sometimes have trouble with digestion and swallowing, also benefit from soft food diets. This diet focuses on foods that are easy to eat and digest, according to the Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology website. There are several foods that should be avoided while on a soft food diet.

Raw Fruit

Most raw fruits should be avoided while adhering to a soft diet, according to the National Institutes of Health. This includes apples, figs, grapes and plums. Dried fruits, coconut and rhubarb should also be avoided. A few soft fruits, including avocados and bananas, may be permissible.

Meats

Any meats that are not moist and tender should be excluded from a soft food diet. This includes any fried meats, such as chicken and fish. It also includes sausage, smoked meats, and cold cuts. Other protein sources, such as fried eggs, seeds, nuts and dried beans should be avoided.

Potatoes

The National Institutes of Health states that although some potatoes, such as those that are baked, boiled or mashed, are permissible for those following a soft food diet, most potato dishes should be restricted or avoided. These items include french fries, potato salad and hash browns.

Soups

A soft food diet may include broths, strained vegetable soups, creamed soups and bouillon. However, it should not include split pea soup, chowder, gumbo or onion soup.

Whole Flours and Grains

According to the Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology website, people on a soft food diet may choose products that contain refined flours or grains, such as white bread, white pasta and pastries. However, if you adhere to a soft food diet, you should avoid whole grain pastas, breads and cereals, as well as bread products that contain coconut.